Women in Architecture UK (WIA) is proud to announce the appointment of Sabrina Klor as Chair and Anna Ifanti as Vice Chair, as it unveils a bold new vision to reshape the architectural profession through intersectional leadership, structural equity, and collective action.
WIA is a volunteer-led organisation championing systemic change in the built environment — from grassroots mentoring and inclusive events, to policy reform and thought leadership. The 2025–2028 strategy marks a pivotal new chapter: one grounded in intersectionality, long-term sustainability, and meaningful industry reform.
With over two decades of experience delivering complex, multi-sector projects across global markets, Klor brings operational expertise and a track record of transformative leadership to WIA. At Broadway Malyan, she oversees strategic delivery across 15 studios worldwide — equipping her with the insight and commercial acumen needed to lead WIA into a more, impactful and internationally connected future.
At the heart of this next chapter is a clear vision: a built environment sector that is equitable, inclusive and truly representative — where women’s voices, experiences and leadership are recognised, valued and empowered at every level. WIA’s mission goes beyond gender parity; it embraces the full complexity of inequality, acknowledging how race, class, disability, sexuality and caregiving responsibilities intersect to shape lived experience in the profession.
Joining her is Anna Ifanti, newly appointed Vice Chair, bringing deep expertise in both project delivery and inclusive leadership. Anna is Chief of Staff at the 10N Collective, a global network of over 1,500 architects and designers across five continents. A qualified architect with over 20 years’ experience, her portfolio includes award-winning civic and cultural work such as the Canada Water Library, Imperial’s White City Campus, and Riyadh’s Sports Boulevard.
These new appointments coincide with the launch of WIA’s refreshed 2025–2028 strategy, a roadmap for change centred on intersectionality, long-term sustainability, and structural reform.
“WIA is not just a network , we are a movement reshaping the profession,” said Sabrina Klor. “We want to create space for every voice, particularly those historically excluded from the architectural conversation. Intersectionality isn’t a buzzword for us. It’s a reality. If we want to build an industry that reflects the society it serves, we have to consider the full picture and take shared responsibility.”
Equity progress has stalled – WIA is moving forward
Despite increased awareness of gender imbalance in the sector, meaningful change remains slow. Research shows that just 31% of registered architects in the UK are women, and the gender pay gap sits at 16% — more than double the national average. Attrition rates spike sharply for mid-career women, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities.
At a time when the value of diversity is being questioned, WIA is reaffirming its commitment to an intersectional approach, acknowledging that inequity is shaped not just by gender, but by race, class, disability, sexuality, and structural care responsibilities.
A clear strategy for lasting change
The new strategy builds on WIA’s legacy of impactful mentoring, events, and advocacy, while recognising that achieving true gender equity means confronting the systemic structures that continue to marginalise women and all underrepresented groups across the profession.
At the core of WIA’s renewed vision is a bold commitment:
“To dismantle barriers, reshape industry norms, and ensure that the built environment reflects the full spectrum of society it serves.”
WIA’s 2025–2028 strategy builds on the organisation’s impactful legacy of mentoring, events and policy influence, and introduces a renewed focus on governance, growth, and measurable impact. The strategy is anchored around four key pillars, with priority actions already underway:
- Expanding Events & Programmes
- Scaling up flagship networking initiatives including Parents Cluband Thursday Meets
- Increasing WIA’s presence at key industry events
- Forging partnerships that extend reach and amplify collective action
- Strengthening Mentoring
- Relaunching WIA’s mentoring programme with a more structured and inclusive model
- Driving Policy & Advocacy Campaigns
- Championing reforms on equal parental leave, flexible working, and inclusive hiring
- Launching CPD sessions on diversity, work-life balance, and leadership development
- Engaging with policymakers, educators, and industry bodies
- Leading with Research-Backed Thought Leadership
Partnering with like-minded organisations to shape a more inclusive narrative- Launching a refreshed communications strategy to centre underrepresented voices
As WIA steps forward with a new strategy, it is calling on allies, practices, educators and policymakers to reimagine a profession where every voice is heard, and every talent has space to thrive.
“We know the barriers. We’ve lived them,” said Klor. “This next chapter isn’t just about naming the problem, it’s about designing the solution. Through advocacy, mentoring, policy reform and storytelling, we’re redefining how we build, work and lead — and calling on the sector to take shared responsibility for building a truly equitable profession.
“This new strategy is testament to the dedication and commitment of the past and current Board members of WIA. We are all volunteers who come together to make a difference and help shape the future generations of the profession.”
For more information, to become a mentor or event partner, or to join the WIA growing network, visit https://www.wia-uk.org/.